The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port Command, has defended its enforcement action against the vessel MT NY Maria, saying officers acted lawfully after the ship began discharging Premium Motor Spirit without Customs clearance.
In a statement on Thursday, 28 May 2026, the Command said the vessel was found offloading PMS at the MRS Terminal, Dantata Jetty, while still under official Customs seal and without the required documentation.
According to Public Relations Officer Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, officers from the Boarding and Rummaging Unit boarded the vessel on 23 May after it arrived from Dangote Refinery for routine documentation checks. They discovered it lacked complete paperwork, including the mandatory Last Port Clearance from the port of origin.
Officers gave the agent two days to provide the outstanding document and placed the vessel under Customs control. However, on 27 May, the Command received intelligence that discharge operations had started without clearance.
Customs officers who responded to the terminal reportedly met resistance from facility security before gaining access. The ship master was directed to stop the unauthorised discharge and report to the Enforcement Unit to make a statement. The vessel was then resealed.
The Command clarified that the ship master was not arrested but only invited for questioning as part of ongoing investigations.
Citing Sections 30 to 35 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the Command said officers are empowered to conduct controls, inspect vessels, examine goods, verify documentation, and enforce compliance within Customs Control Zones.
It added that discharging PMS without clearance while under seal violated Sections 46 to 58 of the Act, which cover reporting, declaration, and release of goods under Customs control.
“The Service will continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities professionally, transparently, and without fear or favour in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic and national security interests,” the statement said.
